Each month, we will interview one employee to get their opinions on the publishing industry, hear what it’s like to work at Technica, and learn a little bit about them. This month we are interviewing Deana Rodriguez, a Long Beach, California native who consults remotely and has been a managing editor for peer-reviewed journals for more than 25 years. She joined Technica in 2013 and has had the pleasure of working with the founders of Technica since the mid-1990s.
What drew you to working in the publishing industry?
I’m a writer. While getting my degree in English, I worked to acquire a certificate in Technical and Professional Writing and also studied medical terminology for more job opportunities. After graduating from college, I was hired to be the Managing Editor for the World Journal of Surgery at UCLA (published by Springer). Way back in 1995 I met Jack through the WJS job and worked with him directly, express-mailing him hard-copy journal issues, consisting of roughly copyedited stacks of manuscripts and diskettes. Wow, have we come a long way! I’ve been working in publishing ever since.
What is your favorite thing about working at Technica?
Do I have to pick just one? I truly enjoy the sense of community. Even working remotely, I still feel like a part of the Technica family. The avenues for communication are many and always open. Additionally, the assistance that Technica provides for professional training and society participation is certainly refreshing.
What do you like doing when you aren’t at work?
I enjoy debating random issues with my two teenage boys, walking our dog Romeo in the neighborhood (who, by the way, will be competing in the Hallmark Channel’s “Best in Rescue” competition in January! He’s in the “Best Belly Rub” category) and driving up the coast with my husband for apples and wine and walks on the beach. This past November, I also finally started writing my first novel!
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why?
That’s a tough one. I start considering the historical context along with the historical figure and overthinking the whole scenario, but…I think I’d choose Benjamin Franklin: a self-educated writer, inventor, abolitionist later in life, and overall extraordinary thinker—I’d enjoy having conversations with him.
What is your favorite book?
The Best of Dorothy Parker. I enjoy her wit and sly use of words. One such example (of many) is:
“If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”
